Segunda and Segunda B Focus: Mini-Submarine draw 0-0 away

Segunda B playoffs first: Villarreal B drew 0-0 at Fuenlabrada yesterday. By all accounts, the mini-submarine bossed the first half, the home side the second, and the keepers were the star for both sides. An away goal would have been nice, but without it, we need a win at home. A lot may depend on Dani Raba’s fitness—without him we look a less dangerous side.

In the other playoff matches, Extramadura 0-1 Mirandés; Celta B 0-0 Cartagena; Elche 2-1 Sporting Gijon B. And Mallorca won the overall “Segunda B title” with a 2-1 won over Rayo Majadahonda. All closely poised ties, then, and still the possibility that Elche could make it to the final four as well.

Segunda playoffs: After an exciting last day, the playoffs are set, with Numancia v Real Zaragoza (Wed and Sat) and Real Valladolid v Sporting Gijon (Thurs and Sun). The difference between 3rd and 6th was only 6 points, which is pretty typical; in fact, the only year in the last 8 where there was a big difference (Girona, on 82 points, played Zaragoza, with 61, in the first round of the playoffs in 2015), the team with the lesser point total won.

Keep in mind that if Sporting Gijon don’t advance, then their B team can’t be promoted, either.

And in the Tercera playoffs, the teams from Group 6 (where Villarreal C play) have had mixed fortunes so far. La Nucia are out; Levante B, the group champions, lost on penalties in the champions’ round and had a score draw away in their semifinal match; Castellón drew 0-0 at home with Sant Andreu in the semis; and Orihuela drew 1-1 with Ceuta at home. So it could be none of these teams go through to the Segunda B. Again, though, finely poised ties, as they should be at this point of the playoffs!!